Adam gives hints on next Shambles

The usually shy little Adam has been talking a lot lately: on his Twitter page (sometimes he's really funny, I must say), on French Dog Writtles, and also to the press. According to his latest outburst, the next Shambles album will be ready soon:

"Pete Doherty's next record will sound like The Stone Roses. The troubled rocker has been rehearsing with his group, Babyshambles, and their new songs reportedly sound like the late 80s British indie legends. Babyshambles drummer Adam Ficek said: "We are working on a Babyshambles album. The songs we have done so far are pretty groove based, like early Stone Roses. It's less straightforward rock 'n' roll and punk. It's a bit more beat driven."
Although both Adam and Pete have recently released solo albums, the sticksman insists the group - who are scheduled to play a show in Spain on Friday (01.05.09) - will be ready to release their third album by next year. He added to Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "We carry on writing a few days a week then do the demos and probably go into the studio around November or December. As normal, we won't spend long making it. It's all thrown together in scraps whenever we can get the chance." Pete, 30, vowed in February to reunite his former group The Libertines next year, but insisted he still remains committed to Babyshambles. It was also recently reported that Babyshambles are to work with Lee Mavers - former frontman of The Las - as the backing band for his next record".

Adam's last message to FDW said: "Some old school shamblings coming up popsterz, the shambles ship is back on course, us 'other 3' have been knocking these songs into shape whilst the boss has been finishing his solo stuff. we're now back on the water. We've hatched a few plans, getting back to basics...keep yer eyes peeled for the next episode. from M.D.P and myself ...keep the faith...there's been a few walls to climb but we won't falter..".

He also added: "we looking for some interesting venues to play...pm me numbers and contacts please.can't promise but will give the list to the boys".

Peter and friends for Johnny Rhythm

From NME.com:

Pete Doherty is set to play a tribute gig dedicated to Johnny 'Rhythm' Sedassy, the London gig promoter who died last month. Sedassy put on numerous gigs at Whitechapel's Rhythm Factory by artists including The Libertines, Babyshambles, Pete Doherty, The Noisettes, Razorlight, Selfish Cunt and The View. His nights provided a crucial (and largely unrecognised) foundation for the scene that formed in London following The Libertines' release of their debut album 'Up The Bracket'. The promoter passed away on March 16 after battling bowel cancer. Pete Doherty, The Paddingtons, Red Roots, Melody Nelson are all confirmed to play the Rhythm Factory on May 15, with more acts to be announced. The gig is in memory of Sadassy and also to raise awareness for the Sir Michael Sobell Charity in Oxtord, where the promoter spent his final days. All acts playing at the show are donating their fees form the gig to the Sir Michael Sobell Charity, and all door takings will also be donated to the hospice.

Tickets are £25 in advance, or £30 on the door.

See Rhythmfactory.co.uk for more information.

A Justgiving.com page has also been set up, should fans wish to donate online.

One more thing: as you know this year the LMHR festival is scheduled on May 30th in Stoke. The line up is slowly taking shape in these days, and one of the first names announced is Helsinki (Drusillo's other band). Helsinki are supposed to play with "very special guests". I suggest everyone checking the festival site regularly. It's gonna be a blast.

GIGS OF THE WEEK

Let's not be too distracted! Peter and Babyshambles are playing in various European sites this week too. It's the beginning of the festival season and the sun is shining.

Nearly.

And if people stopped eating swines and lambs and chickens we wouldn't...

ahem. Sorry. OK. Gigs of the week.

PETER:
Saturday May 2nd
Polsslag 2009 Grenslandhallen
Grenslandhallen Hasselt, Belgium (with: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Rakes, Fischerspooner, Tiga, Mr. Oizo, Dizzee Rascal, Booka Shade, The Von Bondies)

Sunday May 3rd
Peter Doherty
Rockhal Esch-Alzette, Luxembourg

SHAMBLES:
Friday May 1st
Estrella Levante SOS4.8.
Recinto Ferial de La Fica (with: Keane, The Prodigy, PJ Harvey, Underworld, Duffy, Peaches, The Wombats)
Murcia, Spain

Video time!

Yes while people were having fun in Camden last night Peter was in Brussels and played at Le Botanique.

Enjoy:
Can't stand me now
Time for Heroes
Never never
Smashing

And here's the Taratata appearance!

The Camden Crawlers

Great stuff last night! Lots of cool bands and booze and laughs. Awesome show from Kasabian but I was busy waiting someone from the Libertines camp to turn up. And they did, though very late! Rumors had been rife through all the evening, with people twittering they had seen Peter, or Drew or Carlos. Well, first of all, somebody must have had visions because Peter wasn't there at all. Someone said he'd played on Friday night but this needs to be confirmed as well (apparently he's in Belgium). I saw Carlos and Drew instead, and there were also Adamski (but couldn't catch his set) and Anthony Rossy, looking hot as ever.

The first review comes from NME.com:

Carl Barat, members of Babyshambles and The La's frontman Lee Mavers were all involved in a one-off, secret gig at London's Camden Crawl this morning (April 26).Playing the Camden Crawl after party at the Dingwalls venue, the band called themselves the 'Mongrel Soundclash' – named after Jon 'The Reverend' McClure's side project. Other musicians involved in the show included McClure, Lowkey and Dirty Pretty Things' Anthony Rossomando. Taking to the stage at a little past 2am (GMT), the assorted musicians played to a small crowd of lucky fans who had heard rumours of a collaboration featuring Barat, Babyshambles and Mavers. After playing a couple of his own songs from his side project Helsinki, Babyshambles bassist Drew McConnell introduced former Libertines and Dirty Pretty Things duo Barat and Rossomondo onstage. The trio, backed by a drummer, then launched into versions of The Libertines' classics 'Time For Heroes' (which they had to restart duo to timing issues) and 'What A Waster', with McConnell singing backing vocals while Barat took on the lead. At the end of 'What A Waster', Barat and McConnell hugged, and Barat left the stage thanking the audience for waiting so long to watch the performance. Following more songs performed by Rossomando, McConnell, Lowkey and new singer Antoine, Mavers appeared at the side of the stage. After he was introduced by McConnell, the fabled La's singer jumped up onstage, picked up an electric guitar and began playing the opening chords to 'Son Of A Gun', backed by McConnell, McClure and an unnamed drummer, and watched from the side of the stage by Barat. Although he initially didn't seem too pleased about the tuning and ramshackle nature of the performance, after finishing the song Mavers launched straight into La's favourite 'Feelin''. However, the makeshift band's drummer – who had never heard 'Feelin'' before, according to an apologetic McConnell – made the tempo of the song too slow, much to Mavers' chagrin. After being told mid-song to speed the drums up, the drummer duly doubled his speed, forcing a wry smile across his singer's face. By the song's end, Mavers was clearly enjoying himself, cheering the crowd as he left the stage.Earlier in the day, Mavers had joined McConnell in the Hawley Arms for a five-song set, taking in two Helsinki songs ('Bitpart', 'Lagrimas De Oro'), two La's songs ('There She Goes', Son Of A Gun') and a Chuck Berry cover ('Roll Over Beethoven'). After The Holloways' Alfie Jackson had brought the soundclash set at Dingwalls to a close, McClure took his acoustic guitar to the streets of Camden. Despite one of the strings being broken, the singer managed to serenade two passing tourists with a cover of The Beatles' 'Revolution', which he played to them while waiting for a slice of pizza to be cooked by a takeaway vendor on Camden High Street. Since appearing onstage with Pete Doherty during his recent solo tour, Babyshambles drummer Adam Ficek revealed that the band are considering working with Mavers on new material.

Carl Barat and Pete Doherty - Death On The Stairs

It's Friday night and we need fuel. What can be wetter than two hunks playing a marvellous song together?
Oh and thanks to LikelylassofArcady!

Gary to answer fans questions

Phew... how many Libertines reforming questions can you take?

Former Libertines drummer Gary Powell is to give a talk at Alan McGee's London clubnight Authentic next Monday (April 27). Powell, who also drummed for Carl Barat's post-Libertines band Dirty Pretty Things, will take questions from the audience on the night, as well as chatting with Alan McGee and former Oasis guitarist Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs. Gary Powell appears at Authentic on April 27, at Notting Hill Arts Club. Entry will be free.

Source: NME.com

Anthony on Carl's solo adventure

The now solo Carl Barat, previous Dirty Pretty Things frontman, has been given the backing of a former bandmate. Dirty Pretty Things guitarist, Anthony Rossomando, told 6 Music Barat has a lot to offer: “Carl’s a gifted artist, an entity that people here should be proud that has come out of the soil.”

Since the announcement of Dirty Pretty Things split in October 2008, Barat has already joined the live scene as a solo act and it was confirmed this week that he is working on a solo album. Barat supported Glasvegas on a series of US dates and played two solo shows in Wakefield last month. “Good art moves people,” Rossomando explained. “Carl’s got a lot of integrity and he’s got something to say. It’s colourful people like that that makes the world a more vibrant and beautiful place to enjoy, so it’s awesome.”
The Dirty Pretty Things made two albums, Waterloo To Anywhere, in 2006 and its follow-up, Romance At Short Notice, last year. After second-album pressure was placed on the band, Rossomando admitted Barat needed time to do things on his own terms.

“He was never the, ‘hey’ showman kind of guy,” said the musician. “He is his own guy and he’ll make his own record in his own time. “I’m sure he’ll work with some different people. Knowing him, it will all have to happen very organically and not be a pressured thing.” And, according to Rossomando, Barat’s in no hurry. “Hopefully Carl will have a solo record out next year, but I don’t think he’s rushing anything at all,” he said.

Rossomando once temporarily replaced Pete Doherty in The Libertines back in 2004, as second guitarist, when the Babyshambles singer was arrested. 6 Music asked him if he thinks Doherty and Barat will reunite for the megabucks deal, they have been offered. “I bet it will happen but I don’t think it will be anytime soon,” Rossomando responded. At several points, Doherty has said he’s up for getting back together with Carl Barat - with whom he made Up The Bracket and The Libertines - but revealed Barat still needs some persuasion.

Getting rather philosophical, Rossomando said: “People’s lives change, they find a new reality for themselves and that old reality doesn’t exist for them. “On the inside their lives have changed and they’ve moved on to different things, and are surrounded by different people.”

Adding: “Who knows? Like five years, two years. I know they’re not scamping around and talking about it, it’s not a big deal to them anyway.”

Georgie Rogers

Peter and Graham wow Camden

So, the special guest was Coxie (plus Mischa Barton, but only in the crowd). Peter played a mix of old classics and G/W songs. The crowd was sound.

NME.com says: Peter Doherty was joined by Blur's Graham Coxon last night (April 22) for an intimate acoustic show in London's Proud Gallery. The star played a set including songs from his Libertines, Babyshambles and solo back catalogue.

Starting the gig solo, Doherty was later joined by Coxon for renditions of 'Arcadie', 'Salome', and then later for set-closer 'Time For Heroes'. Coxon wasn't the only guest on the stage – two ballerinas provided a visual accompaniment to the show, which saw Doherty's Babyshambles bandmates Adam Ficek and Drew McConnell hanging out in the crowd.

We have a few videos:

Salome

1939

LOTER

And photos from Getty.

Setlist: 'What A Waster' 'Love Reign O'er Me' 'Music When The Lights Go Out' 'Last Of The English Roses' 'Arcadie' 'Salome' 'The Good Old Days' 'For Lovers' 'Delivery' 'Death On The Stairs' 'That Bowery Song' 'The Ha Ha Wall' '1939 Returning' 'Albion' 'Time For Heroes'.

Babyshambles involved in The La's new album

More from NME.com:

The La's' Lee Mavers has asked Pete Doherty if Babyshambles will help out with the recording of the second La's album. Mavers joined Doherty onstage during his recent solo tour, with Babyshambles drummer Adam Ficek, who was also playing on the tour, telling NME.COM that Mavers was so enamoured with playing with the group that he made enquiries about recording with them.

"He [Mavers] said how much he loved what we do, how we play, how we look," Ficek told NME.COM. "Then Peter said Lee wants us to be his backing band."

The drummer confirmed that any hook up would be to record new La's material. "Lee said he's got loads of songs written and he'd like us to get involved," he said. "I'm not sure where it'll go from here, but it's enough to get excited about."

For the full interview with Ficek, including news on new Babyshambles material and his solo project Roses, Kings, Castles, see the new issue of NME, out now.

And Carl goes north

From NME.com:

Former Libertines and Dirty Pretty Things man Carl Barat will play a solo show at the Dunfermline Carnegie Hall on June 9.

In a statement the guitarist/singer said he would "possibly" play new material, and confirmed that he is working on a solo album. See Attfife.org.uk for more information.

Barat played two solo gigs in Wakefield last month after supporting Glasvegas on a slew of US dates.

At Proud is excited...

...for the Peter Doherty gig here tonight .. (see their myspace)

Dances start at 19.30 and end at 2.30. Support band is The Vaults. THE GIG IS SOLD OUT.

Thanks to Anthony who put up 7 videos taken at Peter's last night gig in Lille in his blog. Apparently the setlist was pretty much Libertines-centered.

Beautiful photos by Cactus at Flickr.

While Peter is busy between France and Blighty, the Mighty Carlos is planning a 1st of May in the sun. Namely, in Dubai.
Stereo by Nokia presents The Charlatans
Fri May 01 - At The Lodge, Oud Metha
Stereo by Nokia presents one of the UK's Stereofest featuring one of the greatest UK bands of the last 25 years The Charlatans. This will be a full live concerts as they perform of some of their greatest hits old and new. The band will be supported by local legend The Beat Antenna and The Meerkats. Plus a live DJ set from Carl Barat (Libertines/Dirty Pretty Things), Dan Greenpeaces + DJ YODA.
More info here.

Stuff

• While I'm writing Peter is doing a signing session at the FNAC store in Lille (France), while Adam is playing tomorrow in a very small bar called "Caf&Diskaire", 79 rue Colbert (near rue Nationale) , at 2.30pm. "Lille is hot" The Ficek twittered a few hours ago.
• Babybear has announced the support slot for Peter's gig at the Proud Galleries (Wednesday): Hi folks, the support on Wednesday comes from Vaults ( http://www.myspace.com/vaults ). Check them oot. Lazy Eye Management's latest proteges. I'll post stage times as soon as we work them oot. Enjoy folks.bb.
• Adrian has also put up new piccies taken at Dundee in his blog.
• Drew and Carlos will play with Glenn Tilbrook and the Fluffers at The Hawley Arms on Sarurday 25th April (during Camden Crawl).

Peter plays guitar

A huge thank you to Rick Foley who had the kindness to scan the interview with Peter and Mik published on the new issue of Guitarist magazine. Click on the image above to read the first page. The following pages are here:
Page 2
Page 3

Another interview (with Peter only) has appeared on Nylon magazine. No scans but a preview with nice piccies here.

There are many new gigs announced both for Babyshambles and Peter alone, particularly in festivals scattered around Europe. A list of the upcoming commitments will follow in the next days.

Up to now the identity of the "very special guests" who'll play Proud galleries with Peter next Wednesday is still unknown.

Peter Doherty @ Fat Sams Dundee - Fuck Forever.

And now enjoy this clip from last night's gig!

Reform the Libertines party

Back in London, I feel like advertising this. I know it's still early and there's still stuff to arrange and there's a new Shambles album round the corner. And.

Just allow me.

We are having a Reform The Libertines Party just to encourage the boys to reform after the recent rumours.
It takes place at i love the Noughties @ The Fly in Central London on Saturday 18th April
You will hear loads of Libertines/Babyshambles/Dirty Pretty Things and Peter Tunes and maybe a Yeti tune or 2 as well plus tunes from all your other favourite bands of the Noughties
in room 2 will also be i love the 80s and entry gets you into both
It’s going to be quite a night , spread the word
£3 entry b4 11.30pm £5 after £3 NUS all night
Get there early
Drinks are cheap too
THE FLY IS JUST A FEW MINUTES WALK FROM BOTH HOBORN TUBE AND TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD TUBE
http://www.barflyclub.com”

Glasgow madness

• From The Daily Record: PETE Doherty got the crowd worked up into such a frenzy at his gig last night that organisers had to stop it twice to avoid a crush. The Babyshambles singer was performing a last minute, acoustic concert for just 250 of his fans at Glasgow's Capitol venue.
  Despite the stoppages, spirits were high and the mood was friendly and fans were happy to do as they were told when told to move back. Doherty performed several Libertines and Babyshambles tunes and by the time he sang Don't Look Back Into The Sun, the audience were chanting along.

"If Scotland ever wondered what a guerilla gig felt like" Therocknrollstar says "they sure know now".

"I thought it was a great, great night" says No Judy Garland "but then I somehow ended up in front of the barrier in the stage area for most of it. From that view, what was happened looked extreme; security and Babybear himself lying on the ground with their feet against the barrier to keep it from collapsing. Surely oversold (250 people in there, one of the security said, but seemed more), and the 'barrier' was like something my granny used to put up in front of the fire".

Setlist by Lucy Lu and Littlesusie:

Killamangiro - for lovers - cant stand me now - love you but you're green - what katy did - tell the king - you're my waterloo - death on the stairs - time for heroes - music when the lights go out - last of the english roses - up the bracket - Don't Look Back Into The Sun - Lost My Phone in Paradise - Fuck forever

• Photos at Mr Paparazzi
• And by Stewart Fullerton on Flickr

Peter in Guitarist magazine

Article by Chris Vinnicombe for Music Radar:

"Okay, so it's a cheap gag, but we couldn't resist. However, unlike most of the news stories you'll read about Babyshamble and former Libertine Pete Doherty, this time he's actually being asked about his music, and the instruments he uses to make it.
Guitarist magazine caught up with Doherty recently on the eve of the release of Grace/Wastelands, the debut, Stephen Street-produced solo album that's arguably his most accomplished work to date.
Asked about his favourite gear from a guitar and amplifier standpoint, Doherty recounts the following tale:
"My sound is just vintage Vox AC30s and Marshalls... Matchless amps are cool as well. I had a beautiful one, but an ex-girlfriend cut all the wires and burnt the front.
"In fact, I used to have a guitar graveyard where, after various domestic incidents, a guitar or amp would inevitably get put through a window. I had a little stash - literally a dozen or more beautiful old guitars, all broken and racked up like elephant bones in a graveyard."
To read the full interview in which Pete Doherty talks in detail about his guitar playing and discusses the forthcoming third Babyshambles album, check out Guitarist's May 2009 issue, available in stores now".

Grimsby etc

Report of last night's gig by Cottonowool Monkey:

"All came to a bit of an anticlimax tonight. It started off brilliantly: Peter came on only a little bit late, looking very dapper in full suit and hat, chatting with the crowd, playing with lyrics and passing drinks out, he even threw his hat into the crowd at one point (although he did have an alternative on standby) but he was taking a lot of hits from pints and coins, one of which hit him full in the throat when he came forward to talk to the crowd, and it looked like it was beginning to piss him off. At about 10/10.15 ish someone came on stage from the side and said something to him, at which point we got a couple more songs, he declared Grimsby was a shithole, and then he left the stage and the lights came on immediately, so no encore. He played really well though, just him on his own today (except when Jon Robinson came on for I Am The Rain), including a particularly entertaining rendition of Albion where he gave up on naming towns near Grimsby and just repeated Grimsby for every place name. Setlist as far as I can remember it (in no particular order): What a Waster - Tell the King - Beg, Steal or Borrow - Up The Bracket - Arcady - Smashing - For Lovers - Killamangiro - Lady Don’t Fall Backwards - Last of the English Roses - Unbilotitled - I am The Rain - Albion - Music When the Lights Go Out - Lost Art of Murder - Time For Heroes - Cant Stand Me Now - Fuck Forever. It's a shame the crowd was full of a load of absolute twats, it was quite a small crowd but they were throwing stuff pretty much constantly, despite Peter's protestations. And there was a group of lads in the centre who felt it necessary to turn to Cheryl (who was in the viewing gallery) at the end and chant "show us yer tits" repeatedly. That particular group then proceeded to stagger out yelling about how they only sing when they're fishing, and other such stereotypical stuff before disappearing into the night. Probably to molest some fish".

Preview of tonight's gig by The Daily Record:

Pete Doherty is playing a last-minute solo show in Scotland tonight.
Singer Pete chose tiny venue Capitol in Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow to perform his solo acoustic gig in the style of one of his 'guerrilla gigs' of old.
The show begins at 7.30pm with support from Greenock girl Kristina Cox.
Pete told the Razz: "Coming to Glasgow is always exciting and no trip is complete without a bit of fun on the west coast.
"There's not an audience in the world like it. Doing an up-close gig like this is great as it's good to see the whites of their eyes." Entry on the door is £15. Fans are advised to get there early..

According to Adam, work on the new Babyshambles album will start next month. Check his blog for some other interesting facts.

Gigs of the week

Post-Easter shenanigans!

First of all, let's have a look at the gigs of the week:

PETER DOHERTY:

• Mon 13 Apr Grimsby Auditorium Grimsby (rescheduled date - Peter should be on at 9 pm, but Adrian suggests people also check the support act)
• This just in!!! Tue 14 Apr Secret show Glasgow, The Capitol, 468 Sauchiehall Street. Short notice solo, acoustic show by Peter Doherty. We had a night off so we thought ..... what the hey! Let's find a bar and put a show on tonight. First come first served intimate show in a 150 capacity venue. Beat that.£15 on the door. No guest list. Get there early no reservable tickets.
• Wed 15 Apr Fat Sams Dundee

ROSES KINGS CASTLES:

16 apr 2009 Bishop Stortford UK - half moon.
17 apr 2009 Norway, Oslo, Garage
18 apr 2009 Sweden - Stockholm - debaser.
19 apr 2009 boogaloo - highgate london

MONGREL:

13 apr 2009 Venezuelan Cultural show - Venezuela

Later!

Another gig in Copenhagen?

Babybear just posted this to FDW:

Peter's still in Copenhagen and would like to play a little showee tonightee! Venue suggestions most welcome. I have made enquiries at Vega, Din Nye Ven and Rust. Don't suggest 'my house' unless you are prepared to pay cash up front. Otherwise watch this space for further details.

I can't be of any help since I'm far far far away... but I'm ready to post any info as soon as I get it! A huge "have fun" to the lucky ones!

Update (6 pm): We've been too optimistic haven't we? Babybear said:

Looks like tonight is unlikely folks .... soreeeee. Any change to that and I'll let you know.

Denmark solo gig

Peter played a solo gig last night at the Øksnehallen, Copenhagen, supported by Marie Fisker. We have this video of Up The Bracket and a gallery of very beautiful photos taken by Tom Spray.

If somebody has more info on the show, please give us a sign!

Babyshambles sessions part 2

In the total lack of any kind of news at the moment.... let's enjoy some more old sessions. Featuring Who's got the crack and I got sweets.

Pete Doherty and Carl Barat rare demos

Features the following songs. Coral: Dreaming of you (cover), New Love grows on trees, The Coral: I remember when (cover), You're My Waterloo, Killamangiro (very early version)

Thanks a lot to BacktoReality01 for putting this up.
More to come.

Proud is the place to be

Peter will play at Proud Galleries on 22 April:

Off the back of his tremendous success and tour Peter has decided to play an exclusive and intimate gig in his favourite part of London, Camden. Get your Pete Doherty and Guests tickets delivered instantly now
Date . 22 April 2009
Time . 19:30:00 hrs - 01:00:00 hrs
£22.00 Per person

Tickets here (limited availability!).

Last night Proud Galleries also saw the launch of the new Younger Than Yesterday clubnight, held by ex DPT Didz and Anthony. In an attempt to give a hand to his former bandmates Carlos Barat experienced some kind of ubiquity, and after attending Kieran Leonard's gig at the Gaslight he went to Proud and also played some DPT numbers with the others, namely Deadwood, Gin & Milk, BURMA and Bang Bang. Gary Powell also showed up.

Saturday news

• Last night Babyshambles played at Garorock Festival in Marmande (France). Adam twittered: "well, we made it....a funny old show, my drums fell apart on pipe down..a few forgotten tings but we made it..knackered,sleep. then Spain. x"
• As every year, Babyshambles will play at the Celebrity Soccer Six Tournament at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge on May 24. The View are announced too.
• Drew and Mongrel (currently on tour in France) are supposed to be in Venezuela from 12 to 17 April, guests of President Hugo Chavez, to record their second album. Some gigs are expected too. Carl Barat is thought to join them.
• Carl is also (vaguely) supposed to make an appearance at the Gaslight tomorrow night (Sunday).
• And he's also "acting" in a Svengali episode coming soon (on youtube).
• More from Twitter! Anthony Thornton writes: "Paul DuFour has put 6 amazing pre-2001 Libs posters online for first time. They can be bought in limited numbers here".
• "The Libertines will be back" Peter said a few weeks ago. But how do you feel about it? Join the debate here!

Adam's Song

Photo by Lavery's Bar Belfast.

The unstoppable Ficek interviewed by James Burton:

DRUG abuse, tabloid scandals and stormy relationships with supermodels might be part of bandmate Pete Doherty’s life, but Babyshambles drummer Adam Ficek is far more interested in making music than treading the well-worn path to stardom. The 32-year-old Londoner, who is making a solo appearance at Bishop’s Stortford’s Half Moon pub on April 16, told the Observer he is quite content to stay out of the media limelight and focus instead on honing his craft.

Although indie-rock act Babyshambles is his most high-profile commitment, he has also been quietly working on side project Roses Kings Castles since 2007 and – though it may have slipped under the mainstream radar – released his self-titled debut under that moniker last September. Surprisingly, given his band’s brash, rough and ready vibe, Adam’s compositions are pretty laid-back. Jaunty, cheerful and charmingly simple, they’ve got the kind of melody you can see yourself whistling as you stroll down the street on a summer’s afternoon.

Unlike the output of stereotypically dark, intense singer-songwriters, who he dismisses as “taking themselves way too seriously”, it’s music to be enjoyed -- not listened to alone while staring broodingly into the distance.

Influenced by quirky tunesmiths like ex-Blur guitarist Graham Coxon and late Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett, the talented performer records more or less everything on the finished tracks, from guitar and vocals to more esoteric instruments like vibraphone and accordion.

Adam, who is appearing as part of the North Street venue’s weekly Acoustic Club nights, said: “I studied music at Harlow College a while ago so I’ve seen plenty of gigs at the Half Moon, but this'll be the first time I've played there.“Some of my material gets used by Babyshambles, but some of it doesn’t and I wanted to have another creative outlet for that. I’d actually much rather play out-of-the-way places like this – I think people here are more hungry for good music and don’t see it as ‘just another gig’.

“There’s been a lot of fuss around Pete, but that isn’t hard to stay out of and I’ve certainly stayed out of it. I could easily go down a similar route and it would get me a lot more publicity and exposure, but I wouldn’t be comfortable with it. I’m a musician, not a celebrity.”

The show, featuring Adam as headliner, starts at 8.45pm and tickets are £5 on the door. For more information, visit http://www.acousticclub.co.uk/.

Sorry guys...

From Xfm:

Babyshambles have cancelled a big headline show in France today with Peter Doherty’s ‘tiredness’ being blamed. ‘Shambles drummer Adam Ficek broke the news on Twittter earlier today with two posts. On twitter.com/adamficek, the drummer said:
“Awoke. Feeling shattered. Get in Cab. Get a message. Today's Babyshambles festival is off. Peter tired. I go back to bed. Gutted. Sorry”
Two hours later he left the following message:
“Feeling disappointed, should be in France playing to loads of Babyshambles fans”.
The band were scheduled to headline a massive show at Paris’s Zenith venue with Mongrel in support. The cancelled show now raises doubts over their appearance at Garorock 2009 in Marmande tomorrow.

Actually Adam also posted to FDW and said: "I was really looking forward to it, Drew's there with Mongrel, Mik and I were buzzing about it last night. I'm gutted". So I understand Mongrel are still on.

Shambles in France

Tomorrow Babyshambles are playing at the Allez Les Jeunes Festival in Rouen:

Le 2 Avril se déroulera le festival électro rock A.L.L.E.Z L.E.S J.E.U.N.E.S au Zénith de Rouen organisé par Pete Doherty, le célèbre chanteur britannique.
Plusieurs groupes seront présents tels que Birdy NAM NAM (techno et hip-hop), Caravan Palace (jazz manouche), Steeple Remove (rock) et Mongrel.
Ces styles différents vous feront vibrer tout au long de cette soirée festive.
Pete Doherty présidera le festival avec son groupe Baby Shambles où il sera attendu par ses nombreux fans puisque seulement deux dates de concert sont prévues en France.
Tarifs : 31.70 €

Adam twittered earlier: "Early shambles eurostar I hate getting up early..just finished the new RKC album I think, got 20 songs ready to go..on to shambles album III".

Carl and Drew to lead protest

"WE WON'T GIVE UP!!"

After days of speculation and intensive planning, central London is bracing itself for 48 hours of protests and chaos as thousands of demonstrators from a plethora of different causes descend upon the city for the start of the G20 meeting of world leaders.
Anti-capitalists, social justice groups, environmental activists, anarchists and anti-war protesters have all vowed to hold a series of demonstrations across London as 20 of the world's most powerful leaders meet to try to find a way out of the global economic crisis.
Some will dress as clowns, others will wear masks, some will even be carrying their own environmentally friendly compost lavatories. But all are intent on bringing chaos to London.
And guess who will be at the head of the protest. Yes, our very special politically-minded twosome, Carlos and Drusillo. Dressed up with trademark kafia scarves, parkas and combat boots, the two musicians will lead protesters across the West End and the City, where they’re supposed to stop in front of the Bank of England around noon. An impromptu gig is announced there, with Carl and Drew joined by some very special guests and expected to deliver all their major hits, i.e. Can’t Stand Them Now, Time to Fuck the Heroes, We Won’t Get Along and What Became of the Commie Lads. At the end of the gig, Stan & Didz will jump on the stage and start spinning records for all. Don’t miss it!